The all-Kapampangan starred film ARIA produced by Holy Angel University – Center for Kapampangan Studies (HAU – CKS) premiered at SM City Clark, Friday, January 25.
Aria which was first screened at Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute on November 17 of last year was hailed one of the Best Filipino Films of 2018.
Aria by definition is a long accompanied song for a solo voice in an opera.
The film revolved on a pre-war zarzuela star (Pining) who fell for a Communist ideologue (David) who wanted to recruit her and use her popularity for their cause. The outbreak of World War II separated them and suspended their Communist campaign as they turn into Huk guerrillas. Pining used her singing talent in the resistance movement’s propaganda against the Japanese, in the process gaining enough self-confidence to reject David’s plea for reconciliation. As the war deepened, Pining outgrew her role in the movement and wanted to participate in actual combat. She got her wish when family members became direct victims of the unspeakable horrors of war and a mysterious bandit leader arrived to take her away from her comrades.
“Our film is dedicated to all those who fought during the last world war soldiers and guerrillas alike especially those who died in combat and those who lived on after the war without receiving any compensation or recognition; and above all, those who never sought it, because the privilege and honor of fighting and dying for one’s country is already the reward itself, ” Gawad Urian Best Screenplay and Center for Kapampangan Studies Director Robby Tantingco said.
For those who have missed the first screening, St. Scholastica Academy Batch ’70 will sponsor a block screening of ARIA at SM Pampanga on January 30 at 6 pm. For ticket reservation, text or call Zoneth Suarez at 0925 617 2020.